M62

From Sawdust to Smoke: M62 Lorry Fire Turns the Road into a BBQ!

What happens when a lorry carrying sawdust gets engulfed in flames on the M62? Let’s just say it’s not your average traffic jam! #M62 #LorryFire

In a startling turn of events, a large lorry traveling across the M62 has turned into a raging inferno, leaving motorists stunned and traffic at a standstill. On a seemingly ordinary day, as drivers cruised past Huddersfield, the eastbound carriageway between junctions 22 and 24 transformed into a scene more suited to a disaster movie than a typical commute. The lorry, which was transporting sawdust, caught fire around 10:19 am, and by the time fire crews arrived on the scene, the flames had already engulfed the cabin, leaving behind a charred skeleton of metal and smoke billowing into the air.

National Highways quickly issued warnings and closures as the situation escalated, advising drivers to avoid the area. Emergency response was rapid, with fire crews from Halifax, Illingworth, and Rastrick racing to the burning lorry. Their valiant efforts to douse the flames ultimately resulted in significant delays for the hundreds of drivers caught in the chaos. As the fire raged on, the scene resembled an apocalyptic vision with plumes of thick black smoke engulfing the skyline, while motorists exchanged stories of their frights and frustrations at local service stations.

For those unfortunate enough to be stuck in the traffic, the situation turned into a blend of disbelief and unexpected camaraderie. Glancing around, you could see families rolling down windows to share advice on the best detours, while others whipped out mobile phones to capture the bizarre spectacle. Who knew that a lorry fire could turn a mundane Wednesday commute into a networking event? However, the cheers of the firefighters were muted by the groans of commuters facing long delays, tallying over 90 minutes at one point, as diversions were put in place, attempting to ease the build-up on the M62.

Meanwhile, West Yorkshire Police and the Fire and Rescue Service worked tirelessly to restore order and safety to the highway. While many saw this unfortunate incident as a reason to vent on social media, little did they know that the ensuing diversion routes might introduce them to scenic landscapes they'd never before considered.

It’s worth noting that sawdust isn’t just a mundane by-product of woodworking; it has various uses, from fuel for bioenergy to feed for animals. In fact, if used wisely, this little firestarter can be a boon rather than a bane. However, in this case, it transformed into a fiery spectacle! And as drivers navigated the irritated traffic, we can safely say that this was a day to remember on the notorious M62—perhaps not for the best reasons, but certainly unforgettable!